Chicago’s own Leo XIV, the musical identity of Dylan Leo Azadi, continues his ascent through the stratosphere of alternative pop and R&B with his latest single, “Feel.” Following the momentum of his striking debut earlier this year (“Midas”), this sophomore release solidifies Leo XIV as one of the most captivating new voices in modern music. He’s an artist unafraid to stretch the boundaries of genre while delving deep into emotional and spiritual terrain.

“Feel” is a lush, hypnotic swirl of sound like a piece that lives somewhere between dreamscape and confession. Leo XIV’s voice arrives like a whisper through fog, vulnerable yet commanding, tethering cosmic-scale production to something profoundly human. It’s the sound of someone rebuilding, reconnecting, and rediscovering what it means to exist in one’s own body after pain. When we spoke with him, Azadi described the song as a reflection of getting to a better place in life.

The production, entirely self-crafted, is meticulous but organic, like Radiohead’s In Rainbows era filtered through the emotional lens of R&B and the cinematic textures of Sigur Rós and Dredg (his unlikely influences that 100% fit the tone). The percussion pulses gently, grounding the track’s ambient drift, while synths bloom and dissolve like shifting constellations. Leo XIV’s minimalist approach to structure makes each sonic detail feel intentional and alive.

But what truly sets “Feel” apart is its emotional gravity. There’s a sense of sacred geometry in how it’s constructed, a balance between vulnerability and transcendence that feels both intensely personal and universally resonant. Azadi’s lyrics, sparse and intimate, float like mantras of self-healing.

Listening to “Feel” feels less like consuming a pop song and more like stepping into an experience. It’s a testament to Leo XIV’s vision that he can weave pain into something so delicate and alive, so quietly triumphant.

As the artist readies his debut album for 2026, “Feel” stands as both a promise and a proof of concept. We’re so unbelievably pumped for more, but in the meantime, go ahead and enjoy the first two tracks, our awesome conversation, and of course to follow along to stay tuned for the rest.

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Leo XIV sticks the landing on exceptional single, "Feel" - Interview